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As authorities investigate Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, social media has been flooded with conspiracy theories.
As the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continues in Arizona, social media has become a parallel arena of speculation — with conspiracy theories, viral flight-tracking claims and unverified hospital rumours circulating widely online.
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of US television host Savannah Guthrie. Authorities have confirmed that a person of interest was detained in Rio Rico, Arizona, in connection with the case. Beyond that, officials have released limited details, leaving room for online conjecture to flourish.
Conspiracy theories gain traction online
An X user, Paige Hearn, outlined what she described as the “Top 3 Wild Conspiracy Theories swirling around Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance (Savannah Guthrie’s mom) — remember, these are just online speculation & conspiracy theories, NOT facts! Authorities are investigating a real abduction/kidnapping with recent POI detention in Rio Rico, AZ. 🙏💔”
The post listed three strands of speculation circulating in fringe corners of the internet:
Staged Hoax or Family Inside Job — Claims suggesting the disappearance was fabricated for financial or personal motives. The sheriff’s office has publicly pushed back against such claims, stating there is no evidence to support them.
Deepfake/AI Ransom Tricks — Some online commentators have speculated that potential ransom communications could be manipulated using artificial intelligence tools. The FBI has previously warned that emerging AI technologies can complicate investigations, though there is no official indication that such tactics are involved in this case.
Cartel or Border-Related Kidnapping — Given Rio Rico’s proximity to the US-Mexico border, some posts have floated theories involving organised crime groups or cross-border activity. These claims remain unsubstantiated.
Hearn emphasised that these were “fringe ideas from social media—stick to official updates from FBI/Pima County Sheriff’s. Prayers for Nancy’s safe return 🙏. No proof links any to reality.”
Check out the post here:
Helicopter claims add to confusion
Speculation intensified further after online users began sharing alleged flight paths of a medical helicopter travelling between Rio Rico and Tucson. Some posts suggested that Nancy Guthrie may have been transported to a Banner hospital following a high-risk operation.
However, according to ABC 15 journalist Ford Hatchett, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the helicopter flight was not connected to the case. Claims about activity at Banner Hospital have not been independently verified.
Another post circulating on X stated, “Nothing confirmed yet, but it does NOT appear the person flown-in to the hospital is Nancy Guthrie. Authorities still appear to be searching for her and other potential suspects.”
English (US) ·